How an Indian executive uses vacations to test his team’s performance

Gopal Shenoy, Vice President of Product at U.S.-based Wiser Solutions, has developed a unique approach to assessing his team’s capability: he steps away from work entirely. Speaking to Business Insider, Shenoy explained that he views his vacations as an opportunity to test his team’s ability to operate without him, ensuring he has hired people who can function independently. “Every time I return, I've been reassured that my team can step up and make decisions independently,” Shenoy said, attributing this to his emphasis on preparation, trust, and delegation.

Promoting fully unplugged breaks

Shenoy prioritizes true detachment during vacations, both for himself and his team. He takes three to four weeks of annual leave, remaining offline except for emergencies. “I tell my colleagues if the house is on fire, call me. If I’m overseas and not reachable, then reach my boss,” he shared, stressing his commitment to a hands-off approach. He applies the same principle to his direct reports, encouraging them to disconnect completely from work systems like Slack and email during their leave.

Encouraging autonomy and succession planning

To maintain smooth operations in his absence, Shenoy prepares thoroughly before leaving, designating trusted staff members to handle queries usually directed to him. This strategy, he explained, is integral to succession planning. “It’s crucial that someone is prepared to step into my role temporarily,” he said, emphasizing the importance of building team resilience and independence.

Addressing workaholism and micromanagement

Shenoy also observed that some team members struggle to unplug fully, a tendency he attributes to possible workaholism, a desire for micromanagement, or gaps in team readiness. “If you constantly check in, are you micromanaging, or do you lack the right team?” he questioned, while acknowledging that occasional check-ins may be necessary for senior roles.

Valuing time off for work-life balance

Reflecting on his career, Shenoy expressed regret for prioritizing work over personal time in his earlier years. He now encourages others to embrace time off, noting, “Work is always going to be there. You can always take time off.”